The Clark Library was established in 1934 as an off-campus special collections library to bring together collections of rare books, manuscripts, and other scarce or unique materials.   The following rules have been established in order to preserve the collections and to ensure that they are accessible:

-   The Clark's Reading Room is reserved primarily for readers using the Clark's collections.

-   Cell phones and pagers must be turned off. The use of cell phones is not permitted.

-   Readers should: 1) complete a request slip, available at the reference desk, for each item requested and; 2) wait for requested items to be brought to the Reading Room by Clark staff.

-   Under the direction of the Reading Room attendant, readers must view:

            Manuscript material:  one folder at a time from one box at a time

            Books: supported by book rests

-   Pencils are provided in the Reading Room.  Unnecessary personal materials (e.g. pens, notepads, laptop cases, briefcases, books and voluminous papers) must be stored in the lockers provided by the Department.

-   Laptop computers, reference books, and research notes are permitted in the Reading Room.  All personal items are subject to search by the reference desk staff upon entering or exiting the Reading Room. 

-   All materials must remain in plain view on the Reading Room tables during use.  Nothing may be placed on Clark items except book weights.

-   The arranged order within folders and boxes of the manuscript collections must be preserved.  Please notify the desk attendant if you suspect that a collection is out of arranged order.

-   Material may not be left unattended in the Reading Room.  If it is necessary to leave the room, arrangements must be made with the desk attendant.  When work is completed, material is to be returned to the Reading Room desk and checked in by the attendant. 

 -  Please notify the Reading Room attendant if:  1)your work is completed and you no longer need to view material, 2) you need materials held,  or 3) you have additional requests for materials.

-   Please notify the desk attendant should you encounter unopened bolts (i.e. leaves) so that we may open them for you.

-   Depending on condition and other factors, items may be duplicated for readers by Clark staff.